Ipswich Town Captain Reflects on Defeat Against Manchester United

Ipswich Town captain Dara O'Shea called their 5-2 defeat at Manchester United "very much" a game of two halves as he reflected on a bruising afternoon.

Kieran McKenna’s side went in at the break feeling they had the measure of United, despite trailing.

"We came in at half-time in a good place," O'Shea told BBC Radio Suffolk. "We were disappointed with conceding a goal, but it's a mistake and these things happen.

"We felt like we were the better team and that we were more dangerous."

That belief evaporated after the restart. United found another gear, Ipswich lost theirs, and the match ran away from the visitors.

"Second half is a different story," O'Shea admitted. "We were extremely unlucky with the second goal. I don't really understand the ruling, or how it counts, but that's football.

"We've been in these situations before. VAR hasn't been our friend before and it might be the same again."

The Irish defender refused to pin the result solely on officiating, stressing that Ipswich must handle setbacks with more composure when decisions go against them.

"We've got to crack on with it and react better in those moments," he said. "There will be moments where things don't go our way, so it's a lesson and we've got to learn."

Ipswich now have to prove that lesson has sunk in, with little margin for self-pity in a season that will only get more demanding.